At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire our Catholic Education Trust, guiding strategy and overseeing school improvement.
- Company: Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, committed to holistic education rooted in Catholic values.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape educational outcomes and make a meaningful impact in the community.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and continue a legacy of excellence in Catholic education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
We are seeking to appoint an inspiring Catholic CEO who can continue our journey, bringing our Catholic Education Trust’s vision and values to life with clear, consistent, collaborative, and creative energy.
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Who we are
The Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust (BBCET) has been on an inspiring journey of growth and discovery over the past six years. Together, we have built a strong sense of trust across our 39 schools through collaboration, dynamic leadership, and a core mission rooted in our Catholic faith and serving our pupils by providing an excellent, holistic education. BBCET is one of four Catholic Academy Trusts within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, and we are committed to ensuring that our education is firmly rooted in the teachings of Christ. We work closely with the Bishop and the Diocesan Education Department and we maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the other Trusts across the Diocese.
About the role
Following the retirement of our highly respected CEO, Anita Bath OBE, an exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a new CEO who will build on the strong foundations already established by the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust (BBCET). The successful candidate will sustain, deepen and extend the Trust’s current work by guiding strategy, strengthening impact and ensuring consistency as BBCET moves into its next phase of development. This will be achieved through collaborative working, informed reflection from both within and beyond the Trust and a commitment to continually refining personal leadership practice over time.
Key responsibilities will include overseeing school improvement, financial stewardship and ensuring compliance with all regulatory frameworks, particularly in relation to health and safety and safeguarding. You will take the strategic lead in shaping complex and evolving areas, including teaching and learning, curriculum development, government initiatives and innovation, with the aim of maximising outcomes for all pupils across the Trust. Your expertise will also guide strategic budget planning, ensuring best value and the effective allocation of resources. Working within a complex and evolving educational landscape, you will further develop existing partnerships and continue to position the Trust as a confident, outward-facing organisation. Building and strengthening relationships with our Diocese, other Diocesan Trusts, the Department for Education and Local Authorities will be a vital aspect of the role.
Who we are looking for
Catholic Social Teaching underpins our work, informing both our strategic direction and the daily experience of pupils, staff, governors and all stakeholders within our schools. It is therefore imperative that the new CEO articulate their faith in a way that directs and upholds the Trust's Catholic life and mission, ensuring alignment with the ethos of the Diocese. We are seeking a leader who is honest, authentic, consistent and humble — and who embodies a resilient yet self‑reflective leadership style that is open to challenge and redirection where necessary. The CEO will continue to promote the aligned autonomy that we have cultivated across our Trust schools. It has taken extensive time to develop this model, and it relies heavily on strong communication, mutual trust and understanding, together with honest and open transparency — one that we firmly believe is far stronger and deeper than top‑down authoritative approaches.
We require a CEO with excellent leadership and communication skills to preserve and strengthen this approach going forward. You will have a detailed understanding of the current and evolving demographic needs of all our schools, helping to shape strategy and lead its communication to all stakeholders. You will have a strong track record of delivering improved outcomes for schools. This includes being confident with the new inspection framework and capable of developing strategies to support schools where improvement is needed. You will be experienced in addressing underperformance across all areas of the Trust, particularly in relation to school improvement and will hold a PGCE or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will have a comprehensive understanding of a robust financial Trust model, ensuring we have the in‑house capacity to remain viable and prosper. We require a leader who can navigate the financial complexities of the education system and our Trust and who possesses the resolve and sophistication to see challenging decisions through to completion. You will also have a strong understanding of school improvement and how to deliver it effectively across the Trust to maximise opportunities for all pupils. Our new CEO will be adaptable to the Trust's evolving needs, a strategic listener who can refine and redirect strategy as required in a constantly changing educational landscape. You will demonstrate a proven leadership style, with experience in managing large teams, and show that your approach aligns with the core values of the Trust.
Chief Executive Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Peridot Partners
The Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust (BBCET) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that aligns with our Catholic values. Located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, we offer meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development, empowering our leaders to make a significant impact on the educational journey of our pupils. Join us in our mission to provide holistic education while working alongside passionate colleagues committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those linked to Catholic trusts. Attend events or webinars where you can meet key players and share your vision for leadership.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for Catholic education! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders, make sure to express how your faith aligns with the Trust's mission. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into BBCET’s current projects and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their strategic direction and improve outcomes for pupils across the Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our inspiring journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for Catholic education and how your values align with ours. Don’t be afraid to share personal stories that reflect your journey and commitment.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our collaborative approach. We’re looking for someone who embodies honesty, humility, and resilience, so make sure to illustrate these qualities in your application.
Connect with Our Mission:Make it clear how you can bring our vision and values to life. Reference specific aspects of our mission and how your past experiences have prepared you to lead us into the next phase of development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Before your interview, take the time to deeply understand the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust’s vision and values. Reflect on how your personal beliefs and leadership style align with their mission, especially in relation to Catholic Social Teaching. This will help you articulate your fit for the role.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in collaborative leadership. Think about times when you've successfully built trust and fostered open communication within teams. Highlight how you can continue to promote aligned autonomy across the Trust's schools, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Expect questions about your strategic vision for the Trust. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach school improvement, financial stewardship, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Show that you can navigate complex educational landscapes and have a clear plan for maximising outcomes for all pupils.
✨Emphasise Your Resilience and Adaptability
The role requires a leader who is resilient and adaptable. Share experiences where you've faced challenges and how you've learned from them. Demonstrating your ability to refine and redirect strategy in response to evolving needs will show that you're the right fit for this dynamic position.
